KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- The recent tabling of the Strategic Trade Bill 2010 in Parliament indicated Malaysia's commitment in nuclear security worlwide, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said Tuesday.

He said a new comprehensive law on export controls was needed to prevent chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) occurences in the future.

"The act would enable Malaysia to effectively control the transhipment, transit and brokering of all arms, development or production of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction," said Ongkili at the opening of the CBRNE forum themed 'Downrange PDQ', in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia Exhibition 2010 here.

The Strategic Trade Bill 2010 which provides for control over the export, transhipment, transit and brokering of strategic items including arms, consistent with Malaysia's national security and international obligations, was tabled in Parliament on April 1.

The Bill will provide control over activities that will or may facilitate the design, development and production of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, and for other matters connected therewith.

Ongkili said that Malaysia, as chairman of the International Atomic Energy Agency Board, would do its best to ensure the principles were respected and promoted.

"The Malaysian Government gives full support to initiatives undertaken to achieve a nuclear weapons-free world," he said, adding that there should be public awareness of any suspicious individual or activity and informing the authorities promptly.

"In the event of a CBRNE attack, having the knowledge to react accordingly such as proper self-evacuation, providing first-aid treatment and assisting first responders is crucial.

"At the same time, military, civil and other authorities must already have a coordinated plan of response, should a CBRNE attack occur," he added.